Maine's keep-right and passing-lane rules are found primarily in 29-A M.R.S. §§2052 and 2053.
Under §2053, a driver operating a slow-moving vehicle must keep as close as practicable to the right-hand boundary of the roadway and allow faster-moving vehicles reasonably free passage to the left.
Maine has a stronger rule for limited-access highways with a speed limit of 65 miles per hour or more. On those roadways, a driver is generally restricted in ordinary operation to the right-hand lane and any center lanes.
The leftmost lane may be used for overtaking and passing another vehicle, but the driver must return to a right-hand or center lane at the earliest opportunity.
The limited-access-highway rule does not apply to authorized emergency vehicles or vehicles otherwise directed by posted signs, law-enforcement officers or highway-maintenance personnel.
Maine therefore combines a general slow-traffic keep-right rule with a specific passing-lane restriction on higher-speed limited-access highways.
Exceptions
- Overtaking and passing another vehicle.
- Authorized emergency vehicles performing official duties.
- Following posted signs that direct use of another lane.
- Following the lawful direction of a law-enforcement officer.
- Following the direction of highway-maintenance personnel.
Penalties
Maine's statewide Schedule of Amounts Due lists a violation of the §2052(6) left-lane restriction at $152.
The schedule also lists failure to keep a slow-moving vehicle to the right under §2053(2) as a separate traffic violation.
Drivers should verify the current amount on their citation or with the court handling the case because schedules and assessments can change.
Official Source
29-A M.R.S. §§2052 and 2053 - Limited-Access Highway Passing Lane and Slow-Moving Vehicle Rules
Last verified: October 11, 2026